Avalanche — Central La Paz, Arizona

2022-08-27 · Central La Paz, Arizona

Event narrative

Visibility of near zero reported for a couple of miles near the area of I-10 and Vicksburg Road. No accidents or injuries were reported.

Wider weather episode

High pressure situated south of the International Border led to a westerly flow aloft, which caused dry air advection. However, there was still sufficient moisture (PWAT around 1.5 inches) and instability (MLCAPE 1000-2000 J/KG) as well as a subtle disturbance in the upper-levels to result in the development of strong thunderstorms across portions of south-central and southwest Arizona. Downdraft CAPE values were also in excess of 1500 J/KG, which led to favorable conditions for some of these thunderstorms to produce severe wind gusts.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1054330. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.